Why do some dogs still have docked tails? Tail docking is the surgical removal (amputation) of a dog’s tail for cosmetic purposes. Tail docking has been illegal in...
Why are many male farm animals castrated? Male sheep, cattle, goats and pigs are routinely castrated in order to reduce aggression and subsequent injury. Methods of castration...
What is the RSPCA’s view on dubbing poultry for show purposes? The RSPCA regularly receives complaints from members of the public regarding the practice of dubbing of exhibition poultry. RSPCA policy on...
What is boar taint and how can it be prevented? As male pigs reach puberty, they start producing andosterone, a male sex hormone, and skatole, a digestive by-product formed in...
What are the animal welfare issues with shearing of sheep? Shearing is the process whereby the sheep’s fleece (wool) is removed using mechanical shears called ‘handpieces’. For sheep breeds that...
Why are the tails of dairy cows docked? Routine tail docking of up to two-thirds of the cow’s tail at 12-18 months old, was adopted by some dairy...
Why are painful procedures performed without anaesthetic? Farm animals may require invasive husbandry procedures that are intended to benefit the animal or group of animals involved. These...
Can the RSPCA prosecute farmers for performing painful husbandry procedures without anaesthetic or pain relief? The RSPCA can only prosecute farmers for cruelty if they have broken laws relating to animal welfare that apply in...
Why do farmed deer have their antlers removed? The removal of antlers, or de-antlering, of deer is performed to help protect other animals and handlers from injury. However,...
What is electro-immobilisation and what impact does it have on animal welfare? Electro-immobilisation is a restraining method that runs a low-voltage electrical current down the animal’s spine to induce temporary paralysis, thereby...
What is teat clipping in dairy calves and goats? Dairy calves and dairy goat kids may be born with extra teats on the udder, called supernumerary teats. These extra...
Is the tail docking of dogs legal in Australia? In 2004, the cosmetic tail docking of dogs was banned nationwide. This means that a veterinary surgeon must not dock...
Is hot iron branding of cattle legal in Australia? The use of hot iron branding of livestock including cattle, horses and other animals is legal in all States and...
Why is anaesthesia important for dog and cat dentistry? Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting companion animals; approximately 80% of cats and dogs over three...
Why is it important to declare mulesing status on the National Wool Declaration? What is the National Wool Declaration? In 2008, the Australian Wool Exchange (through which around 90% of Australian wool is...
What are the welfare issues with animals used in research? The use of animals in research poses many welfare risks including those associated with housing, nutrition, social groupings, handling practices,...
What are some of the painful procedures experienced by sheep on farm? Currently, painful husbandry procedures are routinely carried out in many sheep farming systems. Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional...
What are some of the painful procedures experienced by cattle on farm? RSPCA defines a painful farm animal husbandry procedure as any action that alters or removes a specific body part of...